Egyptian judge and former Minister of Justice Ahmed Zind passed away on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the age of 80, after a long battle with illness. Born in 1946 in the village of Damteno, Gharbeya Governorate, Zind graduated from Al-Azhar University's Faculty of Sharia and Law in 1970. He went on to pursue a career in the judiciary, serving in various positions in the Public Prosecution and courts across several governorates, including Aswan and Dakahlia.
Zind's judicial career included serving as a member of the board of the Judges' Club for two consecutive terms in the 1980s. During this time, he contributed to the establishment of the Tanta Judges' Club. He was also seconded to work in the United Arab Emirates, where he served as the head of the Sharia Court in Ras Al Khaimah from 1991 to 1993. Subsequently, he worked as a legal advisor to the Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah until 1996.
During his time in the UAE, Zind founded the Egyptian Club in Ras Al Khaimah, which served as a gathering place for the Egyptian and Arab communities. Upon his return to Egypt, he served as the president of Tanta Sports Club from 2001 to 2004, where he oversaw significant developments in the club's infrastructure and athletic performance. He was also appointed as the first president of the Sports Court, which handled several high-profile sports disputes.
In 2009, Zind was elected as the president of the Judges' Club, a position he held for two consecutive terms. During his tenure, he led the club's efforts to defend the independence of the judiciary and uphold the rule of law, particularly during the period of rule by the Muslim Brotherhood. He opposed the group's attempts to undermine the judiciary and restrict the retirement age of judges.
Zind also played a key role in opposing the Muslim Brotherhood's efforts to limit the powers of the judiciary. He led the Judges' Club in criticizing the group's attempts to impose its control over the judiciary and restrict the court's ability to review its decisions. His efforts contributed to the growing opposition to the Brotherhood's rule, which ultimately led to the 2013 revolution.
Under Zind's leadership, the Judges' Club highlighted the dangers posed by the Muslim Brotherhood to the judiciary and the rule of law. The club's efforts helped raise awareness about the group's intentions and contributed to the growing public opposition to its rule. Zind's legacy as a champion of judicial independence and the rule of law continues to be recognized in Egypt.
The Egyptian judiciary and the nation as a whole have lost a prominent figure with Zind's passing. His contributions to the judiciary and his efforts to uphold the rule of law will be remembered for years to come. The Egyptian government and the Judges' Club have paid tribute to Zind, acknowledging his dedication to the judiciary and his role in shaping the country's judicial landscape.
Key points
- Ahmed Zind, a renowned Egyptian judge and former Minister of Justice, has passed away at the age of 80.
